Free-agent signings spur competition

Among the 20 undrafted free agents signed since the NFL draft ended Saturday, the Chargers found competitors for depth on their offensive line, perhaps injury protection at wide receiver and an intriguing candidate to throw into the battle to be the third running back.

Having not drafted an offensive tackle, the Chargers signed Texas Christian tackle Nic Richmond, who visited Chargers Park in March. The 6-foot-8, 310-pound Richmond started just one season but is considered to have much potential. He has a shot to challenge for a roster spot along with 2008 seventh-round pick Corey Clark.

With Kassim Osgood having signed with Jacksonville, there might be competition for a spot as a receiver. While the Chargers already have the five receivers they likely will keep on their roster, there are some candidates to give practice-squad receiver Gary Banks a run in training camp.

The Chargers signed Fresno State’s Seyi Ajirotutu, who is 6 feet 4, has soft hands and the ability to jump.

After coaching him in the East-West Shrine Game in January, West squad coach Marty Schottenheimer said of Ajirotutu: “He reminds me a lot of Vincent Jackson or Malcom Floyd in San Diego. He is a big kid and can run like the wind. I’ve been very impressed by him.”

Tulane wide receiver Jeremy Williams is also one to watch after catching 1,113 yards worth of passes last season. He returns kicks as well.

While the team signed Marcus Mason off waivers in March and brings back Curtis Brinkley, an undrafted free agent signed in 2008 who was involved in a shooting and never made it to San Diego, it will open up the competition for the third running back spot.

To that mix, the Chargers added Shawnbrey McNeal, who transferred from Miami to Southern Methodist to be near his ailing mother. He ran for 1,125 yards in one season under June Jones and then left school for financial reasons. He is small (5-9, 194) and not terribly fast but is a good runner and kick returner and could add excitement to the preseason.

The Chargers will also throw tight ends Richard Brockel (Boise State) and Deajleon Farr (Memphis) into the competition for the third spot with seventh-round pick Dedrick Epps.

Outside linebacker Brandon Lang (Troy) and inside linebacker Kion Wilson (South Florida) are intriguing prospects as well, although both are coming to a team loaded at their positions.